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Thrifting Finds–All About The Brass

February 17, 2016

On Valentine’s Day the hubs took me out for a day of thrifting. Lately when we’ve gone thrifting we’ve shopped at my favorite antique stores and flea markets so this time around we decided to stop by several of our local Goodwill stores.

Shopping Goodwill is definitely hit or miss experience. Sometimes you can score some great pieces but more often than not, the shelves are filled with undesirable pieces. I’ve also noticed that over the last year or two, Goodwill seems to be increasing their prices so the deals you once could find are harder to come across now.

The stars and planets must have aligned for Valentine’s Day because I found several awesome brass pieces and a few blue and white gems.

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This tulip shaped brass planter was in perfect condition and I’m thinking I’ll put a maiden hair fern or orchid in it.

I also found these brass containers and will most likely sell these in my Etsy shop.

Here’s some vintage brass inspiration for you…

via

These blue and white tea cups were too cute to pass up especially for less than $3.00.

I love this Chinoiserie blue and white flower frog/brick and can image it filled with tulips. After doing some research I discovered this piece was made in Portugal and was designed for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

And I scored these petite brass pots for .50 cents and think they’d be great for succulents.

a little something like this…

via

While I was thrifting, I also picked up a few pieces that I’m sending off to a fellow blogger as part of the Ciburbanity #SwapItLikeItsHot blog swap. I super excited to be participating along with a slew of other bloggers and can’t wait to share it all with you in April.

If you haven’t honed your thrifting skills yet, you can read my thrifting tips here and my flea market shopping tips here.

Happy hunting!

Shop Flea Markets Like A Pro–10 tips!

September 14, 2015

I’ve been shopping flea markets and antique stores for years now and have learned quiet a bit over that time. When I first started shopping for vintage I really didn’t know what I was doing or what to look for in items. I simply shopped and bought pieces that I was attracted to. Since then, I shop both for personal decor and also for items that I can resell in my Etsy shop and new Instagram shop, The Vintage Box.

Here are 10 tips that I’ve learned over the years that will help you go from a novice flea market shopper to a pro.

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Research flea markets and antique stores before you travel to a new city. Online reviews and Facebook photos will tell you a lot about a shop and help you pick the places with the most items and best selection. And don’t pass up those small cities you pass along the way because they often have antique stores filled with items that haven’t been picked over.

If you love it, buy it or at least put it in your bag! I’ve walked away from items before telling myself that I’ll come back to look at it when I finish walking the entire market or store. Of course when I return the item has been snagged by someone else. If you see something you like, put it in your cart or bag and consider it as you continue to shop. If you decide not to purchase it, let the vendor or the store cashier know when you’re paying and they can put the item back on the shelf.

Trust your gut. This goes along with pt. #2 above. Just like most things in life, you gut will tell you if an item is meant to be or not. If you have an immediate reaction to an item than most likely the piece is something that you’d love having in your home or would be able to sell.

Engage in a conversation with the vendor BEFORE asking for a deal. Taking the time to engage in idle conversation and show interest in the sellers booth and wares will set the tone for price negotiations. If I’m alone shopping I always make eye contact with the seller, compliment them on their items and ask a question or two to break the ice. If my husband is with me, that’s his job so I can spend time looking.

Group items from one vendor or booth together and request the seller’s best price. The more you buy the better the deal you’ll get from the seller. And when asking for prices always ask ‘Is this the best price you can offer?” instead of “what kind of discount can you give me?”. You want the vendor to feel they have control when negotiating so how you ask for a better price matters.

Don’t discount an item if some of the parts and pieces are missing. Jars without lids can be used for vases, you can mix and match linens and related items like milk glass or brass can be sold in groupings so look at the value instead of the flaw.

If you’re looking for a particular type of item, ask vendors who carry similar pieces because you never know what they may have in storage or can bring to the next market.

Check the quality of each prices before you buy it. There are usually no returns or exchanges at antique stores and flea markets so know what you’re buying before you lay down your money. Look for hair-line cracks, sturdiness of furniture and makers marks which will help you assess the quality of a piece.

Shop early for the best selection. This is especially true at flea markets which tend to attract a large number of people early in the day. If you’re looking for highly collectible pieces, you want to shop early before items are picked over and sold.

Shop late for the best prices. Shopping late in the day and on the last day of the sale will often yield you the best prices. Vendors don’t want to pack things up and take them back home so they are much more likely to offer discounted prices at the end of the day or end of a show.

You can find lots of amazing items at flea markets and antique stores so use these tips to help you snag some great bargain the next time you head out to shop.

Want to know what essentials you need to carry when thrifting? Check out my post Thrift Shopping 101.

New To The Shop & The Vintage Box

September 8, 2015

Good Morning! I hope everyone had a great weekend.

I was a busy beaver but did manage a little time outdoors enjoying the weather. One of the big task on my to-do list was adding new items to the ConfettiStyle Etsy Shop. I added over 50 new vintage decor and jewelry items and still have more to add, including some vintage holiday pieces.

If you’ve never been to my Etsy shop and are wondering what types of items I sell, let me tell you about the shop. I opened my Etsy shop a few years ago and really focused on selling pieces that I loved and would decorate my own home with. I am an avid flea market shopper and the shop was a great way for me to make some of what I find available to you. There are several different categories of items in the shop but you’ll find milk glass and ironstone pieces, brass decor and lots of unique vintage items. Back in 2012 I started making vintage jewelry and add my handcrafted jewelry to the shop. 2012 was also the year when my jewelry was selected as an editors’ pick by Country Living Magazine and was featured in the Dec/Jan 2012 issue.

Over the years I’ve added additional handcrafted pieces including designer clipboards which have been very popular. I have a new collection of clipboards that will be available in the shop soon.

So all in all, my Etsy shop is an extension of my passion for vintage decor, jewelry and my love of handcrafting! Here’s a sneak peek at some of the items you’ll find in the shop…

And in case you missed it, I’ve decided to expand my shop presence and begin selling vintage finds on Instagram in a new shop called The Vintage Box. This has been something I’ve thought about for almost a year and I’m excited to launch the shop later this month.

The Instagram shop will have a more focused product offering and I’ll also be selling vintage jewelry as well. I’m still nailing down the details of the sales so follow along here to be the first to know when the shop opens.

You never know what treasures are in the box!

Treasure Hunting at Scott Antique Market (and a few regrets)

August 11, 2015

It’s been months and months since I was able to carve out some time to go to Scott Antique Market but last Thursday I made time in my work schedule to make it happen. Boy have I missed treasure hunting at one of the best antique markets in the country.

This show as a bit different from most as many vendors decided to attend the World’s Longest Yard Sale instead of Scott, which happens the same weekend every August. Even with fewer vendors, there were still lots of great things at the market.

Here’s a look at some of the pieces I spotted while treasure hunting...

The market always has a great selection of vintage and handmade furniture in every design style so it’s a great place to shop if you’re looking for something really unique. These tiered end tables were really stunning and I could totally see them being used as night stands.

One of my favorite chair vendors is always stocked with beautiful linen and burlap dining and occasional chairs. I loved the woodwork detail on the back of this one.

Pillows, pillows everywhere with lots of vendors selling pillows in neutral fabrics.

This vignette caught my eye. I have a pair of those wood risers but never thought about using them to elevate lamps.

There were a couple of ceramic vendors with the most beautiful Japanese pottery. Most of the pieces were on the expensive side so I passed but lots of people were snatching up ginger jars and bowls.

One vendor had nothing but blue and white but again it was pretty pricey. If I remember correctly, the ginger jars along the front were $125.

I loved this lamp because of the shape–I think it was around $100.

This mirrored chest was a beauty and on sale!

I saw more mid-century modern pieces at this market than I’ve seen in the past. The details on this table and chair set grabbed my attention and the fact that it was also in pristine condition.

Like I mentioned before, you’ll find every style of furniture at Scott including lots of farmhouse/rustic pieces. Some of these pieces are vintage and others are handmade to look vintage.

Great lines on this table.

This cabinet was really pretty although the color was not to my liking. And check out all those cut stools on top of the cabinet.

Here’s a beautiful chunky farm style dining table.

There are lots of industrial pieces at this market too. I loved this metal storage cage and could just image this in a mud room or garage to hold shoes and stuff.

I usually don’t walk away from Scott’s having seen any big trend statements but this chair has me thinking that lavender is going to be a popular color for 2016.

One of the things I always do when I walk the market is to keep an eye out for diy inspiration. I spotted this framed wall sconce and thought it was a great way to UpStyle a thrifted light fixture

{ frame + wood + sconce + wood beads=stunning}

The Scott market is always a great source of dough bowls and vintage wood accessories.

wood rakes

pizza boards–$40 to $65

wicker demijohns (this vendor has really good prices on these bottles)

Scott Antique Market is a big place, consisting of two buildings and outdoor spaces. There’s so much to see and sometimes my philosophy of “if you love it, buy it” gets pushed to the back of my mind as I walk the aisles. Inevitably that results in a few market regrets and this trip was no exception.

Here’s are three things I wish I had bought but didn’t…

These lamps were amazing!!! They were in great condition, I loved the shape and bonus–there was a bulb socket inside the basket so that lamp could be lit both on top and under the wicker. And, they were only $75 for the pair. I know…I’m still kicking myself.

Another regret were these vintage grain sacks. They were priced between $25 and $29 and in good condition.

The only saving grace with these is that the vendor is a monthly regular and will probably have them again at the Sept. show.

I spotted these vintage wood blankets and was mesmerized by how gorgeous they were. I wanted the second stripe from the right, on the top row.

So folks, that’s a quick summary of my treasure hunting adventure at Scott Antique Market. I’ve got my calendar cleared for the September show and have my fingers crossed that some of my regret items just might make a second show appearance.

A Lighting Company that’s so much more!

March 5, 2015

On a daily basis my mailbox is filled with catalogs. I try my best to flip through each one but often times they get laid to the side and then in a moment of de-cluttering they get thrown in the trash.

The other day I received the Rejuvenation Lighting & House Parts catalog in the mail and immediately stopped, dropped and looked at every page. The cover image is what caught my attention and I couldn’t wait to learn more about this lighting and home line.

Butte Faceted Pendant / Butte Cone Pendant / Butte Dome Pendant / Galaxy Wide Chandelier / Carson Rod Pendant / Haleigh Pendant

Rejuvenation House Parts was founded in 1977, but the story really begins in 1975 – when Jim Kelly purchased a condemned saloon in a rough-hewn Portland, Oregon neighborhood for $1,000. During two years of extensive renovations, Kelly had a difficult time finding the lighting and house parts he needed to preserve the historic character and details of his small building.

Recognizing an opportunity, he decided to use his small storefront to serve the needs of like-minded old-house renovators. After borrowing $2,500, he opened what was essentially a specialized junk store selling architectural salvage – things like doors, windows, light fixtures, clawfoot tubs. Using antique fixtures as models, he hired his first “manufacturing” employee to start making basic reproduction Victorian and early 20th-century ceiling fixtures and wall brackets.

By 1982, strong demand encouraged Kelly to create a mail-order catalogue. In 2011, Rejuvenation joined the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio of brands. Today we offer a wide range of products, including furniture and home décor, and have four retail stores.

At first glance Rejuvenation is a lighting company but boy-oh-boy do they have so much more to offer.

Momo Single Sconce (gorgeous)

Wire Chair (love this chair)

Vintage Rotating Bin (functional and funky)

Please Ring Doorbell Button (classic)

Aurora Utility Stool (available in multiple colors)

Tolson Faucet

Beautiful register colors and switch plate covers

Steel and Canvas Laundry Bin

Kanota Cabinet Hardware

From chic bathroom lighting and hardware to restored vintage antiques and furniture, Rejuvenation is a great source for unique home accents.

You can order your own copy of the Rejuvenation catalog and view the entire product line at www.rejuvenation.com!

My Latest Thrifting Finds

June 20, 2014

It’s Friday and I’m so, so happy!

I told you that during our vacation last week we squeezed in some thrifting and hit a few antique and thrift shops in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida. I had a few things on my shopping list and while I didn’t find everything I was looking for I did score a few nice pieces.

On the list:

Ironstone

Brass

Vintage Linens

Small Accent Furniture

Vintage Decor Book

This is what I found…

A malachite ice bucket that was a real bargain for $4.00

Ironstone Sugar and Creamer for less than $10

a ironstone casserole dish

a cute clove leave shaped brass planter

and this amazing brass stool. If you follow me on Instagram you saw the post where a friend found this stool on-line selling for $225.00. I paid $20!

Thrift shopping in the Jacksonville area was great. There are lots of shops with a vast array of antiques. If you’re in the Jacksonville area, be sure to check out these shops:

Antique Market of San Jose

5107 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL

Avonlea Antiques & Design Gallery

8101 Philips Hwy

Jacksonville, FL

Fans & Stoves Antique Mall

1059 Park St.

Jacksonville, FL

5 Points Antiques

1046 Park St.

Jacksonville, Fl

Southern Crossing Antique Mall

2718 Park St.

Jacksonville, FL

Rusted: A Vintage Market

1523 San Marco Blvd,

Jacksonville, Fl

The thrill of the hunt never gets old. What’s on your thrifting list?

Beach Bum!

June 16, 2014

Hello there! We’ll, all good things must come to an end and our 1st summer vacation was officially over last night! Bummer! I am already missing the beach, the sand, the sunrises and sunsets and just doing nothing! I could easily live the life of a beach bum but work and responsibilities are calling. I’m going to ease back into the work week (which of course is slammed with to-do’s) and take one more opportunity to relive our vacation. Join me why don’t you!

This was our first time visiting Jacksonville, Florida and it did not disappoint!

The sunrises were spectacular…

as were the sunsets.

The palm trees were ginormous…

and the sand was soft and filled with beautiful seashells.

The dolphins came out to play. The morning that we were leaving there must have been 20 or more just off the shoreline.

Even when the skies were grey the beach was beautiful!

One day we made the 40 minute drive over to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the nation. OMG is this city stunning.

Some of the most beautiful architecture I’ve ever seen.

You can see the Spanish influences in the colors and details of the buildings.

St. Augustine has one of the oldest churches in American with the largest collection of Tiffany stained glass windows.

The old stone fort that protected the city during battle.

The bay was filled with beautiful sail boats and ships.

I’ve got dibs on this as my retirement home.

Old stone drinking well for the horses that pulled the carriages in the streets.

We stopped by the oldest home in Florida.

One of the stops on the trolley ride we took was at this winery and distillery. Funny how most of the passengers got off here to take the tour and do some sampling!

A beautiful peacock perched on an entrance post!

You never know who’s looking!

Of course I had to do some antique shopping while on vacation. We popped into about 10 antique/thrift store and I found a few treasures.

If you ever visit St. Augustine be aware that they know there antiques in this city. The collections are vast and the prices can be steep but there are treasures to be found.

We had a great time on vacation and it can be summed up by the beauty of this image.

all images by ConfettiStyle

Woodstock, GA and a New Favorite Shop

May 30, 2014

Happy, Happy Friday!

Even though I don’t have any major plans this weekend (catching up on work) there are several things to be excited about.

1) Word on the street is that Oprah is in town for the filming of the movie Selma, which she is also producing. The movie is being filmed in downtown Marietta so I just might have to head that way to see if I can get a glimpse of her.

2) I’m being featured on TerrysBlinds Designer Insights series and I’m thrilled about it. I’ll share the full feature tomorrow.

3) I don’t know if I’m ready to pull the trigger yet but we’re going to look at kittens.

4) and finally, I’ve got a great new store to share with you.

All good things!

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A couple of days ago my dear friend Sheila invited me to lunch and a shopping tour of Woodstock where she lives. Even though Woodstock is only about 30 minutes away from me, I’ve never visited the downtown area so I was excited to check it out.

Woodstock is located north of Atlanta and is a growing and developing community. Over the last few years, the downtown area has been developed into a mixed use area with the most adorable homes, townhouses, shops and restaurants surrounding main street.

One of the businesses that Sheila took me to was the Leaning Ladder. The store sells wine, vinegar and the most amazing selection of gourmet olive oils you’ll ever see. If you love to cook this is definitely a place you want to check out.

Sheila also took me to several home decor/gift stores all of which were cute but there was one that really stood out to me. Having owned my store for many years it’s hard to find a store that makes me take notice but LINDEN did that and easily made it onto my list of favorite shops. Let me take you on a tour!

Linden is located in an old home that oozes of charm and character. Laurie, the owner has filled each room with a wonderful collection of French and English Antiques, home accessories, unique lighting, original artwork and European Influenced Florals & Garden Plantings.

This wall basket was a stunner!

I loved all the weathered wood, wicker and rough luxe decor.

There are vintage treasures all throughout the store.

One of the rooms is dedicated to garden decor, plants and natural elements.

Laurie didn’t miss a beat and created the cutest product vignettes in each closets throughout the house.

Linden had a great collection of shells, coral and starfish at fantastic prices.

I loved this old wooden basket.

The store also has a great selection of tabletop and gift items. I will definitely be going back to pick up a few of the white ceramic platters and plates.

So many beautiful pieces to use for entertaining too!

I could go on and on with how great this store is but I won’t give it all away, you’ll just have to go check it out for yourself . And tell Laurie I sent you.

For those of you that don’t live in Atlanta, good news, you can shop Linden online!